Vice President, Power Production (Austin Energy)

The City of Austin seeks a highly qualified individual to fill the Vice President of Power Production position, which reports to the Austin Energy Deputy General Manager and Chief Operating Officer. The next Vice President of Power Production will have several exciting challenges to address and areas of opportunity to excel. Among these is the need to prepare the utility to transition into carbon-free fuel while maximizing the existing mix of energy sources. The successful candidate will be instrumental in driving the department’s power generation programs, bridging our current mix of resources with renewable energy sources, on-site energy resources, safety compliance, and decisive leadership.

Austin Energy is more than just an electric utility. We are 1,700 of your friends and neighbors with a mission to safely deliver clean, affordable, reliable energy and excellent customer service — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.As a community-owned utility, we're a not-for-profit enterprise of the City of Austin, working to ensure we can meet and exceed the needs of those we serve. This is how Austin Energy strives to be Customer-Driven and Community-Focused.

Safety is a Core Value and Top PriorityWorking around, with, and near electricity and electrical equipment is inherently hazardous. The safety of our employees and our customers is our utmost concern. We strive to safely deliver energy by going above and beyond the industry safety standards, investing in quality safety equipment, and creating a culture among our employees that prioritizes safe practices for themselves and others.We also want to keep our community safe. We offer safety education to local elementary schools so that the students know how to be safe around electricity and what to do if faced with an electrical hazard. Our Outage Map has a hazards layer where users can view known electrical hazards such as downed power lines, blown fuses, trees on power lines, and more 24/7.

Pioneers for Sustainable, Clean EnergyWe’re committed to leading the way in utility environmental excellence. Currently, we target reaching carbon-free generation by 2035. We’re greener than ever, meaning that if you want to take action to limit climate change, you can feel better about the electric power you get from us.

Affordable Rates, Financial Assistance for Those in NeedThe average Austin Energy residential customer's energy use and bill amounts are well below state averages. As a not-for-profit electric utility, we strive to keep our electricity affordable and help customers who face financial difficulty. Our Customer Assistance Programs provide $10 million in discounts and waivers each year to help customers pay their electric utility bills.

Excellent Customer ServiceOur Customer Care Center is staffed with local representatives who care about and understand our customers’ needs. Our representatives are highly trained and knowledgeable, ready to work with customers to ensure their energy needs are covered. This ensures we deliver the best customer service possible.

THE POSITION Reporting to the Deputy General Manager and Chief Operating Officer with nominal direction, this position is responsible for the independent leadership, management, and operation of Austin Energy’s Power Plants, On-Site Energy Resource Program, and Power Production Engineering functions. The division supports the needs of both the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Wholesale Market and Austin Energy’s customers through safe and effective Power Plant Operations, Engineering and Technical Services, and Joint Project oversight. The VP of Power Production is a crucial Austin Energy executive team member.

QUALIFICATIONSThe following are the minimum qualifications required for the Vice President of Power Production:· Education: Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Engineering or Business. Graduation with a master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for two (2) years of required experience.· Experience: Seven (7) years of related electric utility experience, including five (5) years of experience in a managerial capacity. IDEAL CANDIDATEThe ideal candidate will have technical expertise in natural gas and biomass technologies. The next VP of Power Production must also understand hydrogen and battery-fueled energy. The following core competencies are essential for this role: · Technical expertise in the field of power generation, specific to natural gas (CCGT & GTs) & biomass technologies· Must understand old technology and bridge Austin Energy to the future from the operational perspective. · Experience with or knowledge of energy turnover, hydrogen batteries, geothermal, small module vectors, etc.· Technical expertise in battery storage· Experience with power production in a public or private utility· Familiarity with decommissioning power-generating assets· Experience or willingness to learn District Energy Cooling· Knowledge and experience of coal, natural gas, and nuclear fueled generating stations.· Experience with organized wholesale electricity markets· Strong leadership and development capabilities with business acumen· Be able to instill a safety and compliance culture · Demonstrated experience using an equity lens and framework to create inclusive and diverse community initiatives and programs. · Demonstrated experience leading and implementing strategies and resolving complex escalations in a business environment. · Results Driven - Ability to achieve organizational goals and objectives.COMPENSATION AND BENEFITSThe salary range is commensurate based on experience and the approved salary range. The benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, compensated leave, short-term disability, and retirement benefits. The City is a member of the Proportionate Retirement Program. Optional benefits include supplemental life insurance, a 457 deferred compensation plan, a long-term disability plan, and a legal plan. Visit austintexas.gov/department/active-employee-benefits to learn more about the City’s employee benefits. Reasonable relocation benefits will be provided to the successful candidate.